Dental instrument visionary

Devlin Limbach, a photographer from Lincoln, NE, gives ordinary dental instruments new, vibrant identities. In one of his photos, the green and blue bristles of a toothbrush resemble an elaborate maze that requires precise navigation. Placed at a different angle, that same toothbrush takes on a stage-like appearance with a blue and green curtain.

Limbach's photograph of dental floss and a toothbrush has a distinct look similar to the likes of Andy Warhol.

"Most of my photographs are done using the camera," says Limbach. "Some are 2 or 3 of the same image overlayed on top of each other. Every photographer tries to find his or her own niche with images. I enjoy taking photos of dental items and finding a way to help put them in a more fun perspective different from how they are normally perceived. I have taken on the challenge of taking a normal everyday item and turning it into a whole new vision for dentists and hygienists."

Limbach began taking photos of dental and dental hygiene instruments for the University of Nebraska Center (UNMC) Dental Hygiene Department. Ryan D. Rutar, a student in the Dental Hygiene program and Limbach's partner, first introduced the instruments to Limbach.

"Ryan brought home his instruments and I was inspired to photograph at different angles, use different lighting, and combine different tools together to get the desired pictures," says Limbach. "I tried pushing the boundaries with the images by using techniques I had never used before and never knew were possible until I saw the outcome."

Rutar was a member of the Student American Dental Hygienist Association and the organization hired Limbach to donate his photos to the newly renovated hygiene clinic, where dental and hygiene students see them on the walls every day.

"I have sold photos to dentists in St. Louis, MO and Lincoln, NE," says Limbach. "The president of the ADHA requested a personal signed copy of one of my photographs at the NDHA Annual Session and I also donated a few framed photos to be raffled off at the ADHA Annual Session to help raise money for the Institute of Oral Health."

To see more photos from Limbach's Dental/Dental Hygiene Series, click here.